The Indie Artist’s Guide To Digital Music Distribution (How I Released My Music)
TL;DR:
- Want your music on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music? Digital music distribution makes it possible—no label required!
- I personally used DistroKid to release my music. You can watch my step-by-step process here: Watch My Video.
- There are multiple distributors to choose from—DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, Amuse, etc.—so picking the right one depends on your goals and budget.
- Key Takeaway: Choose a distributor that fits your strategy, plan ahead for promotion, and don’t forget to collect all your royalties!
Let’s Be Real: What is Digital Music Distribution?
Back in the day, if you weren’t signed to a label, getting your music out to the world was almost impossible. Now? All you need is a digital music distributor, and your songs can be streamed globally—on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Tidal, Deezer, and more.
Here’s the deal: A distributor uploads your music to these platforms, handles the backend stuff (like metadata & royalty collection), and makes sure you get paid.
🔹 Who needs a distributor? Any independent artist who wants their music available on streaming platforms.
🔹 Why does it matter? If your music isn’t on major platforms, you’re missing out on money, fans, and exposure.
How I Released My Music Using DistroKid (Step-by-Step)
I documented my DistroKid release process step by step in this video:
🎥 Watch My Walkthrough Here
But here’s the quick version of how it works:
1️⃣ Pick a Distributor – I went with DistroKid because it offers unlimited uploads for a flat fee (perfect for artists who release often).
2️⃣ Upload Your Music – You’ll need WAV files, high-quality cover art, and metadata (song title, credits, genre).
3️⃣ Set a Release Date – Don’t drop your song immediately! Give yourself at least 2-4 weeks for promotion.
4️⃣ Distribute to Platforms – Your music goes live on Spotify, Apple Music, etc.
5️⃣ Start Promoting – Playlist pitching, social media, and email marketing will make or break your release.
💡 Pro Tip: Pre-save campaigns (where fans can save your song before it drops) can help boost first-day streams!
Best Digital Music Distribution Platforms (And Which One is Right for You?)
Here’s a quick breakdown of the top distribution platforms:
1. DistroKid – Best for Frequent Releases
💰 $22.99/year for unlimited uploads
✅ Fast release times (1-2 days)
✅ You keep 100% of your royalties
❌ No extra marketing tools
💡 Best For: Artists who release music often and want a low-cost, set-it-and-forget-it option.
2. TuneCore – Best for Monetization & Publishing
💰 Free plan available, premium starts at $14.99/year
✅ Includes YouTube & TikTok monetization
✅ Publishing admin (helps collect royalties worldwide)
❌ More expensive than DistroKid if you release multiple songs
💡 Best For: Artists who want full royalty collection & extra monetization tools.
3. CD Baby – Best for One-Time Payment (No Subscription Fees)
💰 $9.99 per single, $49 per album
✅ No annual fees (pay once, keep your music online forever)
✅ Includes sync licensing (for TV & film placements)
❌ Takes a cut of your royalties
💡 Best For: Artists who don’t want a yearly fee and prefer a one-time payment.
4. Amuse – Best Free Option for Beginners
💰 Free plan available, premium starts at $24.99/year
✅ 100% free plan for distribution
✅ Good for testing the waters
❌ Not as fast or feature-rich as paid options
💡 Best For: Artists who want a free option and don’t mind slower releases.
5. UnitedMasters – Best for Hip-Hop & Indie Artists
💰 Free plan available, premium at $5/month
✅ Direct deals with NBA, ESPN, and sync licensing
✅ Free plan available
❌ Takes a percentage of royalties (unless you upgrade)
💡 Best For: Artists in hip-hop, R&B, and urban genres who want more industry connections.
FAQs: Things Every Indie Artist Should Know
❓ What is digital music distribution?
✔️ It’s how indie artists get their music on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal.
❓ How much does digital distribution cost?
✔️ Prices vary! Some distributors charge a yearly fee (DistroKid, TuneCore), while others take a percentage of your royalties (UnitedMasters).
❓ Can I switch distributors later?
✔️ Yes! You can take down your music from one distributor and re-upload it elsewhere, but you may lose stream counts & playlist placements if you don’t do it carefully.
❓ How long does it take for my song to go live?
✔️ Most distributors take 3-7 days, but DistroKid is one of the fastest (often 24-48 hours).
❓ Do I need a record label to distribute music?
✔️ Nope! Independent artists can distribute music 100% on their own.
❓ How do I make money from my music?
✔️ You earn streaming royalties, digital downloads, and sync licensing revenue—but make sure you’re also signed up with SoundExchange, ASCAP, or BMI to collect everything you’re owed!
Final Thoughts (And What You Should Do Next)
Getting your music onto Spotify, Apple Music, and beyond is easier than ever, but choosing the right distributor is key to how much control (and money) you keep.
✅ Watch my DistroKid walkthrough to see how I did it:
🎥 Click Here to Watch
✅ Next Steps for You:
- Pick your distributor.
- Plan your release strategy.
- Don’t forget to promote it!
Which distributor are you thinking of using? Drop a comment below and let’s talk about it! 👇